Best Middle Schools
in Portland, Oregon
We ranked the 27 middle schools in Portland with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.9 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Oregon education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Portland for 2026 are Harriet Tubman Middle School (9.3/10), Kellogg Middle School (9.0/10), and Beaumont Middle School (8.8/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 27 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Portland?
Every middle school in Portland is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Harriet Tubman Middle School
Portland, OR. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Kellogg Middle School
Portland, OR. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Beaumont Middle School
Portland, OR. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Portland's 25 ranked middle schools span a wide performance range, with composite scores stretching from the low end up to Beaumont Middle School's leading 9.6 out of 10. Harriet Tubman Middle School (9.4) and Harrison Park School (9.2) round out the top tier, giving families several strong options across the metro. The average composite score sits at 7.1 out of 10, and 15 schools — 60% of those ranked — clear that 7-point threshold, meaning solid choices aren't limited to just a handful of standouts. The table below lets you sort by the metrics that matter most to your family, whether that's academic performance, student-to-teacher ratio, or school size. Scores and rankings draw on publicly available data to give you an apples-to-apples comparison across all 25 schools. Use the filters to narrow the list and find the right fit for your middle schooler.
Harriet Tubman Middle School
Kellogg Middle School
Beaumont Middle School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Portland's Middle Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level:Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades.Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations.Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance.College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Oregon so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 27 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Oregon education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Oregon.Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in Portland
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Portland's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Portland
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Portland's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Oregon, with 29 schools spanning 11 school districts.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best middle school in Portland, Oregon?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Harriet Tubman Middle School is the top-rated middle school in Portland with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many middle schools are in Portland, Oregon?
Portland has 29 middle schools. Of these, 27 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Portland?
The average composite score for Portland middle schools is 7.2/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Oregon).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Oregon, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Oregon, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.